Expressions of interest invited for new NIHR Newcastle BRC Co-Director role

The NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) is seeking expressions of interest for a Co-Director to join the BRC leadership team. The aim of this new appointment is to broaden expertise and experience as well as build capacity and resilience in preparation for the anticipated next BRC competition.

The NIHR Newcastle BRC vision is to transform lives through world-leading research in ageing and multiple long-term conditions. We take 21st century approaches to driving discoveries from the laboratory into the clinic to advance diagnosis, treatment and prevention for complex patient groups often not represented in experimental medicine research.

BRCs receive substantial funding from NIHR to bring together researchers and clinicians to translate early scientific breakthroughs into new ways to improve care. BRCs attract the best scientists to produce world-leading research, improve patient lives, and contribute to the local and national economy. Their high-quality, innovative research also attracts significant investment from external funders, furthering the economic growth of the nation.

The BRC leadership team recognises the value of a research culture in which people can flourish and sees diversity as a key driver of excellence. Over the course of the last two BRC awards this has seen a significant increase in the number (from 5 to 16) and diversity (age, sex, ethnicity, discipline and career stage) of BRC theme leads. Central to this is a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.

The Role

Working alongside BRC Director Professor Avan Aihie Sayer, this position will play a key role in the overall strategic leadership and delivery of the BRC and involve membership of the BRC Executive Group.

We are looking for an individual with the following:

  • Internationally recognised excellence in experimental medicine and translational research
  • Commitment to the vision of the NIHR Newcastle BRC and its importance to the research landscape in Newcastle and the wider region
  • A track record of leading or participating in successful applications for major strategic external grants
  • Clear evidence of successfully delivering scientific excellence through a collaborative and inclusive leadership style
  • Understanding of how to work effectively as part of a senior leadership team
  • Ability to influence a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to bring about change and improvement
  • Experience of working across the NIHR Newcastle BRC partnership organisations (Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle Hospitals and CNTW)
  • Involvement in national research networks ideally involving other BRCs or wider NIHR Infrastructure
  • Understanding of the remit of NIHR in the context of health, higher education and life sciences sectors with awareness of relevant government policy
  • Active interest in one or more of the BRC key cross cutting areas (Comms & Impact; Data and Digital; Industry Engagement; Interdisciplinary Research; Operations Performance Impact & Finance; Patient and Public Engagement and Involvement; Research Capacity Development; Research Inclusion)
  • Commitment to promoting the work of the NIHR Newcastle BRC across regional, national and international networks
  • Ability and enthusiasm to help shape future direction of NIHR Newcastle BRC
  • Institutionally agreed capacity to take on this role

Running for remainder of the current BRC award (ending 31st March 2028), the role is expected to play a key part in planning for a potential new BRC competition. The role is open to employees of Newcastle University, Newcastle Hospitals and Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust. We welcome expressions of interest from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds.

How to Apply and Appointment Process

Applications for the position should be made by submitting:

  • a curriculum vitae
  • an expression of interest letter (no more than two pages) detailing suitability for the position

The deadline for receipt of expressions is Tuesday 24 June 2025 5PM. Expressions of interest should be submitted to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For an informal discussion about the role, contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Applications will be reviewed by the BRC leadership team and interviews scheduled for short-listed applicants. The proposed interview date is Wednesday 9 July 2025.

The final appointment will be subject to approval by NIHR.